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Fading Memories

Ever since the invention of the camera photographs have served as a record of human existence. Today, photographs document our lives. They allow us to relive fond memories, remind us of old friends and family members and connect us with time periods we have never seen.

Yet, photos do not last forever and if no effort is made to care for them, all these memories will fade before you in a drastically short amount of time. How photos are stored, where they are stored and the manner in which they are displayed are all factors that contribute to how well a photograph will stand the test of time.

Basic Structure of a Photograph

The composition of a modern photograph consists of an emulsion layer which covers a support layer. The support layer may be glass, a film base or paper. The emulsion layer is a gelatin coating that is comprised of light-sensitive silver salts. The structure itself aids in its own deterioration.. First of all, the silver is easily attacked by atmospheric conditions, which is one reason why a photograph must be stored and displayed in an optimum environment. Gelatin is a protein, which means that when exposed to high humidity microorganism growth is likely to occur. When this process takes place the top layer of the photograph can deteriorate.

Light and Temperature
What researchers have proven over the last decade is that light and high temperatures both play a big role in the deteriration of photographs. According to the Image Permanence Institute, the higher the humidity and temperature, the shorter the life of the photo. The colder the environment you house your pictures in and the lower the humidity, the better. IPI is a nonprofit research laboratory which studies the preservation of visual and recorded information. IPI’s preservation calculator calculates how long a photograph will last based on its long-term environment. For example, a photo that is stored in an environment of 84 degrees Fahrenheit and 45 percent relative humidity will last 35 years. However, if that same photo had been stored in an environment of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 42 percent relative humidity it would have lasted 199 years.

Long-term exposure to light is easier on black and white photographs than color prints. Both types of photographs do need to be protected from direct daylight and fluorescent tube lighting, which can cause stains to develop on the image and cause the photograph to fade quickly.

How to Store Them
Processed prints, negatives and slides should be kept away from wood and wood products such as plywood and low grade paper. Wood emits peroxides that can cause damage to the photograph. It is best to stay away from any chlorinated products and plasticized sheetings or covers as well. Surprisingly, photo albums are not the best idea for long term storage either, due to the fact that they often contain low grade paper also.
Placing your photos in single-file seamless holders, which resemble manila folders but are made from acid free material, is one way to protect your pictures. Yet, the best option for storage seems to be paper envelopes. As long as they are made of the highest grade of paper they should keep your photos same from harm and are a good option for long-term storage.

Where to Store Them
The area where you store your photographs is also important. There are some relatively simple guidelines to follow: Keep your pictures away from electrical wiring, which may spark. Make sure to place them in an environment far away from any smoke or dust as well. Lastly, do not store them in an area close to pipes or running water facilitates, too many people have lost pictures in floods.

How to Display Them
Whether you consider a photograph a work of art or just a personal memento it is important to realize that the materials that come in contact with your pictures should be carefully scrutinized. Frames can often rub up against the photo and humidity in turn causes the emulsion to melt. A good solution to this problem is using spacers. Manufactured by Frame Tek, spacers separate the photo from the frame completely and come in a large variety of sizes. Again, keep the photos in a cool environment with low humidity and avoid direct light.
What most people do not realize is that photographs are not permanent, they begin aging the moment after they are developed. All you can do is provide the best care in order to slow down the natural aging process. By following the instructions above, you can keep your pictures in the best possible shape and keep them around considerably longer.

For more information see:
Why Spacers? (Article found on Frame Tek’s Showroom in Art-Town)
A Survey on the Deterioration of Photographic Negatives
Albumen Photographs
Standard for Maximum Preservation Framing (10.1 and 10.2)

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